Ginn wins Thomas Keller rowing medal

World Rowing on Friday announced the three-time Olympic gold medallist as the recipient of the 2014 Thomas Keller Medal.

The award is the most prestigious in rowing, in recognition of an
exceptional international career, the 'type' of career, technical
mastery of the sport, sportsmanship and the 'legendary' aspect of the
athlete.

Ginn was chosen by the Thomas Keller Medal committee following an extensive worldwide public nominations process.

The now Australian rowing team head coach - integration was nominated
with Slovenia's Iztok Cop, New Zealand sisters Caroline and Georgina
Evers-Swindell and Britain's Katherine Grainger.

Ginn said he was extremely honoured to be selected.

"I consider myself privileged to join a group of individuals who have
excelled in our sport, including three of my former Australian
teammates, Peter Antonie, Mike McKay and James Tomkins (2010 Keller
winner).

"I am grateful for the honour being bestowed upon me."

Ginn shot to fame as part of Australia's men's coxless four when they won gold at the 1996 Atlanta
Olympic Games. He went on to medal at various world championships in the men's eight, coxed four, coxless four and men's pair.

At the 1999 world titles, Ginn and Tomkins became pair champions, setting themselves up as favourites for the 2000
Olympics. A back injury forced Ginn out at the eleventh hour.

With Ginn's tenacity and perseverance, he was back in form two years
later and, in 2003, was again a world champion before winning
Olympic gold in Athens.

Ginn and new partner Duncan Free won the 2006 and 2007 world championships. Leading up to the 2008
Olympics, Ginn again suffered back problems but he went on to win another
Olympic title.

A back operation and a break followed Beijing, with Ginn claiming silver in the men's four at the London
Olympics.

Ginn is in Italy with the Australian rowing team in his new role.

Former coach and Rowing Australia national performance director Chris
O'Brien said he was delighted to see Ginn's achievements recognised.

"Drew is passionate about mentoring and helping athletes to reach their
potential and this accolade is a fitting reward to not only all his
on-water achievements but his continued dedication to the sport of
rowing."

Rowing Australia CEO Andrew Dee said: "It is only fitting that
Australia's most successful rowing Olympian should join some of the
greatest names in world rowing in becoming a recipient of such a
prestigious and highly regarded award."

Gillian Rolton was an Olympic great – winning two Olympic Gold medals as a member of our 3-day equestrian event team in Barcelona 1992 with Matt Ryan, Andrew Hoy and David Green and again in Atlanta in 1996 with Andrew, Philip Dutton and Wendy Schaeffer, with her much loved Peppermint Grove.

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This is achieved by the support of our sponsors, contributions from the Australian Olympic Foundation (AOF), fundraising at corporate events and the backing of State and Territory Governments who donate to our Olympic Team Appeal.

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